ULCCS Model gains Global Spotlight at Prestigious International Social Economy Summit in Spain

From Kerala’s Villages to the World Stage: ULCCS’s Century of Social Transformation Continues

Bengaluru – June 2, 2025: The Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society (ULCCS), one of India’s oldest and most respected worker cooperatives, was honoured as a global exemplar in social entrepreneurship at the 1st ASETT Forum on Social Economy in San Sebastián, Spain. As ULCCS marks its centenary, this global recognition reaffirms its legacy as a transformative force in inclusive development and cooperative governance.

The high-level summit—hosted by the Business Confederation of Social Economy of Spain (CEPES) and supported by the Spanish Ministry of Labour and Social Economy—brought together over 100 speakers and leaders from 50 countries, including ministers, policymakers, and social economy leaders, to exchange innovative approaches to reducing inequality and strengthening people-centric labour ecosystems.

T.K. Kishor Kumar, Chief Project Coordinator at ULCCS and Director of the National Labour Federation, delivered a landmark presentation titled “The Uralungal Model: A Global Benchmark in Socio-Economic Systems.” His address underscored ULCCS’s unwavering commitment to ethical business practices, worker ownership, transparency, and long-term human capital investment.

Sharing his views, Mr. T.K. Kishor Kumar said: “ULCCS was born in 1925 amidst colonial hardship, founded by a visionary group of marginalized workers in rural Kerala. A century later, we stand as a living testament to the power of community-led development. Our story is one of resilience, equity, and dignity—values that transcend borders and speak to the urgent need for inclusive growth across the world.”

A book featuring ULCCS and other exemplary global cooperative models was shared with participants and attendees during the summit, serving as a key reference in discussions on inclusive economic frameworks. ULCCS and Gujarat-based SEWA were the only Indian institutions invited to participate, spotlighting India’s vibrant and resilient cooperative sector.

The event featured prominent global leaders, including Spain’s Second Vice President and Labour Minister Yolanda Díaz, Senegal’s Minister for Microfinance and Social Economy Dione Aliou, Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Cooperatives Patrick Kiburi Kilemi, Palestinian Authority’s Labour Minister Enas Dahadha Attari, Brazil’s Secretary for Solidarity Economy Gilberto Carvalho, and France’s Delegate for Social Economy Maxime Baduel.

As ULCCS celebrates its centenary, this international recognition underscores its role as a trailblazer in the social economy—inspiring movements for equity, sustainability, and collective entrepreneurship worldwide. The cooperative’s story is a testament to the transformative power of community-driven development and sets a global standard for future generations